Evidence Packet Organization

Organize your evidence into a complete, labeled packet. Proper organization helps ensure nothing is missed.

What Goes in a Complete Evidence Packet

A complete evidence packet typically includes all documentation organized by category. Each piece should be clearly labeled and easy to reference.

1. Cover Sheet / Index

• • Your name and contact information
• • Vehicle information (make, model, plate, VIN)
• • Date and location of tow
• • List of all included documents with page numbers
• • Brief summary of claim (2-3 sentences)

2. Signage Documentation Section

• • Entrance sign photos (wide and close-up)
• • View from parking spot photos
• • Obstruction or visibility issue photos
• • Sign height measurements
• • Absence documentation (if no sign present)
• • Annotated photo descriptions

3. Location & Context Documentation

• • Property boundary photos
• • Business hours documentation
• • Parking spot/lot photos
• • Receipt proving you were a customer (if applicable)
• • Transaction timestamps

4. Vehicle Condition Documentation

• • Pre-tow condition photos (if available)
• • Post-retrieval condition photos
• • Documentation of any damage during tow/storage
• • Damage noted on tow company receipt

5. Financial Records

• • Tow company invoice (itemized)
• • Payment receipt
• • Paid-under-protest documentation
• • Posted rate comparison (if rates exceeded posted amounts)
• • Credit card or bank statement showing payment

6. Tow Company Information

• • Company name, address, license number
• • Tow ticket or citation
• • Driver information
• • Authorization for tow (if available)
• • Contract between property owner and tow company (if obtained)

7. Timeline & Communications

• • Chronological log of events
• • All correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
• • Phone call log with dates, times, people spoken to
• • Written statements from witnesses

Packet Organization Tips

Physical Format

• ✓ Use a 3-ring binder with divider tabs for each section
• ✓ Number all pages consecutively
• ✓ Print photos in color if possible
• ✓ Label each photo with date, time, and description
• ✓ Include table of contents with page references
• ✓ Make multiple copies - keep original

Digital Format

• ✓ Organize into clearly labeled folders
• ✓ Use descriptive file names (date_description.pdf)
• ✓ Combine related documents into single PDFs per category
• ✓ Create master ZIP file with organized structure
• ✓ Include README.txt explaining folder structure
• ✓ Keep file sizes reasonable (compress large photos if needed)

Common Submission Formats

DMV Administrative Review

Check your state DMV website for specific requirements. Common elements:

• • Request form (from DMV)
• • Copy of tow receipt and invoice
• • Evidence packet as outlined above
• • May require submission deadline (often 10-30 days)

Consumer Protection Office

File with Attorney General or Consumer Protection Office:

• • Consumer report form (from AG office website)
• • Brief written description of issue
• • Supporting documentation (shortened packet is OK)
• • Copy of correspondence with tow company

Small Claims Filing

Requirements vary by jurisdiction:

• • Small claims form
• • Evidence organized for in-person presentation
• • Multiple copies (court, defendant, yourself)
• • Prepare to explain each document verbally